Youth Programs

Our interactive outdoor programs challenge, inspire and enlighten youth in an exciting environment. Through a combination of teamwork initiatives, outdoor activities, and engaging instruction, shy students shine and new stars emerge. Confidence is bolstered, bonds form, and challenges are overcome as students learn leadership, teamwork and initiative.

We delight in the diversity of our school partners and are proud to work with many exceptional Public, Private, Francophone and French Immersion schools, as well as highly-regarded independent schools such as Waldorf, Montessori, First Nations community schools, and homeschool groups. For many students, the annual Strathcona trip is a rite of passage and an integral part of their school experience.

We design custom outdoor programs to meet the needs of a variety of youth organizations and teams. Community groups, First Nations youth, Scouts and Guides, international groups, sports teams, arts organizations and others join us for camps, retreats, team building, expeditions and quintessential Canadian outdoor adventures. From one-day activities to three-week camps, we work with you to develop the perfect experience for your participants.

Wilderness Youth Leadership Development (WYLD) expeditions are summer camps for adventurous teens, age 12 to 18.

Our camps have different itineraries and destinations, but all teach life-long skills. WYLD participants learn safe and respectful backcountry travel, making lasting connections and friendships along the way.

Paddle down the fjord-like Buttle Lake and hike to one of Strathcona Park’s hidden jewels, Landslide Lake.

Our property sits on the edge of a vast lake system in the shadow of Vancouver Island’s highest mountains. The Discovery Expedition brings in the best of both worlds – campers paddle down Buttle Lake and hike to Landslide Lake’s icy waters, nestled in the lap of Mount Colonel Foster. On off days, campers will learn rock climbing skills and participate in team-building activities.

This introduction to backcountry travel samples some of the best Strathcona Provincial Park has to offer. Canoe on glacier-carved lakes and hike the subalpine while learning to be self-sufficient.

With a multi-day canoe trip on pristine lakes, and challenging hikes up into Vancouver Island’s subalpine, campers will challenge themselves while learning to be self-sufficient in the backcountry. By the end of this moderately challenging introduction to wilderness travel, participants will take turns leading the group as they travel by canoe and by foot deep into Strathcona Park.

This expedition into the wild Strathcona alpine is our most challenging camp. And it’s worth it.

Backcountry Classic is a 12-day, multi-sport expedition. While physically demanding, this trip allows participants to explore some of the most remote areas on Vancouver Island, with the beautiful snow-capped peaks of Strathcona Park as a backdrop.

We are happy  to work with you to design custom youth programs for groups of 6-10 based around your dates, objectives and activity choices.

Custom camps are a great option for youth groups, international student programs or groups of friends or family ready for an adventure.